What do you think?
Rate this book
Ruby #1
Ruby
During the Salem witch hunts, an evil witch named Natasha Sullivan tricks a demon into confining himself inside an enchanted music box. She casts a spell that foretells that the demon will emerge in an unknown time in future after the birth of a child known as the Lumen Child. This child’s destiny is to bring light to the planet and Natasha knows that if he is killed then darkness will prevail. Natasha’s identical twin Sarah, discovers what her sister has done. Although she cannot break the spell she casts her own prophecy. It states that three witches known as the Triple Enchantresses will be born in the same time as the Lumen Child and they will be his supernatural protectors. The girls are not sisters, yet they will share a common destiny. Ruby is the story of the first witch and how she very nearly dies before discovering her true identity. Having grown up unaware of her powers, she is rescued by her loving grandmother who is also a white witch and taken back to the family estate where she learns everything she can about what her future holds. Ruby is the first in a four book series.
- GenresYoung AdultMagic
170 pages, Paperback
First published April 21, 2010
32 people want to read
About the author
Amanda Burke
5 books5 followersAmanda Burke is the author of the novel RUBY, the first of a four book series.
An avid reader from an early
age, Amanda discovered her love of writing in high school. Her favorite
books are Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte, The Stand by Stephen King and
anything written by Wilbur Smith. When it comes to writing, she is
particularly drawn to pen stories for teens that involve anything
supernatural. The more witches, dragons and magical destinies the better!
Amanda is an Australian author. She lives in sunny Queensland with her three
children who keep her on her toes.'
An avid reader from an early
age, Amanda discovered her love of writing in high school. Her favorite
books are Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte, The Stand by Stephen King and
anything written by Wilbur Smith. When it comes to writing, she is
particularly drawn to pen stories for teens that involve anything
supernatural. The more witches, dragons and magical destinies the better!
Amanda is an Australian author. She lives in sunny Queensland with her three
children who keep her on her toes.'
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
January 4, 2016
Previously published on my blog: http://fictionfervor.wordpress.com/20...
Ruby is a short and sweet novel that could be a promising start to an intriguing series. However, the novel felt very unfinished and could definitely use some key pointers.
PLOT:
To me, Ruby was a non-plot kind of book. Not much happens in the book in my opinion, and I considered it an introduction to a series rather than, well, the first book of a series. However, the synopsis did intrigue me enough to agree to join the blog tour, and the idea was original enough for me to want to continue reading.
A large portion of the novel was predictable. For example, I knew exactly who Ruby would consider as a romantic interest as soon as he was described. Perhaps it’s my knack for seeing things, but I sincerely think that I wasn’t the only one who caught this as soon as it passed by.
This novel definitely lacked in action and romance. There are few action scenes in the novel, and they certainly weren’t very well-described nor realistic–probably because there’s usually more resistance to the protagonists when they’re fighting. (They can’t win everything, you know.) In addition, the romance felt very one-sided: Ruby seemed to have an insane crush (yes, notice that I wrote the word “crush,” not “love” or “obsession”) for the guy, but he seemed to be entirely impassive. But in the last chapter, he suddenly had a change in heart. This simply is not realistic; there was no build-up in the romance, and I felt incredibly disappointed because of that.
CHARACTER:
Ruby is certainly a Mary Sue. She is the granddaughter of a wealthy witch, she is uber nice times ten billion, she’s gorgeous, and she has powers greater than any others’. However, she feels very flat. She never considers her friends (if she even had any) in her previous hometown of Phoenix, Arizona, nor does she dwell more on the fact that her father was murdered. She obediently follows strange requests from letters written from her father, and she is surprisingly willing to accept her role as a powerful white witch. All of this that I’m listing? Unrealistic. Human beings freak out. Big time.
Blaine is the epitome of a bad boy sweet inside. Because he drives a motorcycle and has a bad reputation of being a murderer, he could be considered a literary “bad boy,” but he has the guts of a teddy bear. He might act all tough, but when it comes to a girl that he likes (coughcoughRubycough), he melts like chocolate.
WRITING STYLE:
There were numerous grammatical mistakes in the novel, and they unfortunately distracted me from the overall plot and writing. Spelling typos and forgotten punctuation marks abounded in the book, and every time I found an error (which probably happened every page), I cringed inwardly.
I will give Amanda Burke some credit for being great at description. Her incredible detail helped me picture the scenes in my mind clearly, and I was able to follow along easily. Her diction was also superb.
I would like to note, however, that teenagers like Ruby tend not to speak so formally. (Sure, some do–coughcoughmecough–but they are rare exceptions.) Most people don’t speak in that fashion if they’re from the twenty-first century.
Another problem that bothered me was the frequent change in point of view. I assume that the author was using limited omniscient point of view, but she often shifted into another person’s thoughts without warning. I would definitely recommend breaking into different scenes if the author wished to change perspectives.
Overall, Ruby was a promising book that might interest me in the future, but it felt raw and unfinished. Perhaps through a few more edits, I might be more excited to read it.
Source: Paperback received for review from TBG Tours
Ruby is a short and sweet novel that could be a promising start to an intriguing series. However, the novel felt very unfinished and could definitely use some key pointers.
PLOT:
To me, Ruby was a non-plot kind of book. Not much happens in the book in my opinion, and I considered it an introduction to a series rather than, well, the first book of a series. However, the synopsis did intrigue me enough to agree to join the blog tour, and the idea was original enough for me to want to continue reading.
A large portion of the novel was predictable. For example, I knew exactly who Ruby would consider as a romantic interest as soon as he was described. Perhaps it’s my knack for seeing things, but I sincerely think that I wasn’t the only one who caught this as soon as it passed by.
This novel definitely lacked in action and romance. There are few action scenes in the novel, and they certainly weren’t very well-described nor realistic–probably because there’s usually more resistance to the protagonists when they’re fighting. (They can’t win everything, you know.) In addition, the romance felt very one-sided: Ruby seemed to have an insane crush (yes, notice that I wrote the word “crush,” not “love” or “obsession”) for the guy, but he seemed to be entirely impassive. But in the last chapter, he suddenly had a change in heart. This simply is not realistic; there was no build-up in the romance, and I felt incredibly disappointed because of that.
CHARACTER:
Ruby is certainly a Mary Sue. She is the granddaughter of a wealthy witch, she is uber nice times ten billion, she’s gorgeous, and she has powers greater than any others’. However, she feels very flat. She never considers her friends (if she even had any) in her previous hometown of Phoenix, Arizona, nor does she dwell more on the fact that her father was murdered. She obediently follows strange requests from letters written from her father, and she is surprisingly willing to accept her role as a powerful white witch. All of this that I’m listing? Unrealistic. Human beings freak out. Big time.
Blaine is the epitome of a bad boy sweet inside. Because he drives a motorcycle and has a bad reputation of being a murderer, he could be considered a literary “bad boy,” but he has the guts of a teddy bear. He might act all tough, but when it comes to a girl that he likes (coughcoughRubycough), he melts like chocolate.
WRITING STYLE:
There were numerous grammatical mistakes in the novel, and they unfortunately distracted me from the overall plot and writing. Spelling typos and forgotten punctuation marks abounded in the book, and every time I found an error (which probably happened every page), I cringed inwardly.
I will give Amanda Burke some credit for being great at description. Her incredible detail helped me picture the scenes in my mind clearly, and I was able to follow along easily. Her diction was also superb.
I would like to note, however, that teenagers like Ruby tend not to speak so formally. (Sure, some do–coughcoughmecough–but they are rare exceptions.) Most people don’t speak in that fashion if they’re from the twenty-first century.
Another problem that bothered me was the frequent change in point of view. I assume that the author was using limited omniscient point of view, but she often shifted into another person’s thoughts without warning. I would definitely recommend breaking into different scenes if the author wished to change perspectives.
Overall, Ruby was a promising book that might interest me in the future, but it felt raw and unfinished. Perhaps through a few more edits, I might be more excited to read it.
Source: Paperback received for review from TBG Tours
December 12, 2012
View the original review on my blog:
When you look back at this novel, you realize that so much has happened in such a small space of time. It also ahs happened rather quickly as well. Despite knowing how fast the pacing of this novel is, we want more and want to continue the thrill ride.
This is my first novel that has been based around the Salem Witch Hunt. This era is used as a base to get the story rolling. The way this was used was brilliant, completely captivating and pulling you in. This all happens during the prologue of the novel. We guess what will happen when we find out the full extent of what has happened.
As we first meet Ruby, we actually ‘see’ her. What I mean by this, is that we get the details of her face and body so we can start to picture Ruby in our head, and so that that image continually stays with us throughout the whole book.
Getting into it all straight away, we get filled in with what Ruby has been through already and to where she is heading. We learn and understand her motives as soon as we get to know her and ‘meet’ her. Although throughout the whole novel we learn about her, but at those times we are learning with her.
Once we know Ruby’s initial goals, it doesn’t have time to settle in as the action instantly sparks up. It is from here that the pace intensifies and is set in third person, our connection with Ruby is still there and we sympathise with all the loses she has had to face in her life.
We connect with Ruby, yet she is really the only character that we do connect with, or get to know in-depth. We hear of the training that Ruby gets, yet we don’t see any of it or experience it with Ruby. This is something I really hoped to see, so we could see Ruby really develop as a Witch. Although her rises and falls in becoming a Witch are clouded by the bigger mystery lurking in this book.
Straight away, Ruby’s relationship with Blaine is utterly predictable at the first moment we meet him. Their relationship develops at the same speed as the plot is set at…very fast. It seems unnaturally so as their relationship development, and especially at how we don’t see much happening between them both.
*rant start*
They need more time to get to know each other and the ‘I love you’ to me is worthless. I’m one of those people who hate ‘I love you’ being used way too prematurely in the relationship. 3 weeks does not equal love. I believe that those who say it too early are like they need to thank each other for saying yes to dating them, so ‘I love you’ is a means of thank you. I. DON’T. THINK. SO.
*rant end*
Even though it is a short novel, it doesn’t lack anything too major (besides previously mentioned) and constantly pulls us along, leaving a cliff hanger. Oh the horror! need book 2 now! The ending was unexpected and eagerly waiting for more, to pick up the story where we left off and getting to answer all those questions that cloud our thoughts.
When you look back at this novel, you realize that so much has happened in such a small space of time. It also ahs happened rather quickly as well. Despite knowing how fast the pacing of this novel is, we want more and want to continue the thrill ride.
This is my first novel that has been based around the Salem Witch Hunt. This era is used as a base to get the story rolling. The way this was used was brilliant, completely captivating and pulling you in. This all happens during the prologue of the novel. We guess what will happen when we find out the full extent of what has happened.
As we first meet Ruby, we actually ‘see’ her. What I mean by this, is that we get the details of her face and body so we can start to picture Ruby in our head, and so that that image continually stays with us throughout the whole book.
Getting into it all straight away, we get filled in with what Ruby has been through already and to where she is heading. We learn and understand her motives as soon as we get to know her and ‘meet’ her. Although throughout the whole novel we learn about her, but at those times we are learning with her.
Once we know Ruby’s initial goals, it doesn’t have time to settle in as the action instantly sparks up. It is from here that the pace intensifies and is set in third person, our connection with Ruby is still there and we sympathise with all the loses she has had to face in her life.
We connect with Ruby, yet she is really the only character that we do connect with, or get to know in-depth. We hear of the training that Ruby gets, yet we don’t see any of it or experience it with Ruby. This is something I really hoped to see, so we could see Ruby really develop as a Witch. Although her rises and falls in becoming a Witch are clouded by the bigger mystery lurking in this book.
Straight away, Ruby’s relationship with Blaine is utterly predictable at the first moment we meet him. Their relationship develops at the same speed as the plot is set at…very fast. It seems unnaturally so as their relationship development, and especially at how we don’t see much happening between them both.
*rant start*
They need more time to get to know each other and the ‘I love you’ to me is worthless. I’m one of those people who hate ‘I love you’ being used way too prematurely in the relationship. 3 weeks does not equal love. I believe that those who say it too early are like they need to thank each other for saying yes to dating them, so ‘I love you’ is a means of thank you. I. DON’T. THINK. SO.
*rant end*
Even though it is a short novel, it doesn’t lack anything too major (besides previously mentioned) and constantly pulls us along, leaving a cliff hanger. Oh the horror! need book 2 now! The ending was unexpected and eagerly waiting for more, to pick up the story where we left off and getting to answer all those questions that cloud our thoughts.
August 21, 2012
To start this review off on a positive note, the fact that I read most of Ruby in less than 24 hours is proof enough that this read is light, entertaining, and easy. You could effortlessly read the whole of it during a weekend getaway or, if you’re committed, in one sitting. I, of course, read it in over the course of a day and found whole thing to be easy to follow and seamless.
Furthermore, Ruby‘s characters, although perhaps a tad two-dimensional, had me emotionally invested in them by the end of the novel. I nearly cried when one of the cast was thrust into mortal danger, and Ruby’s grandmother, Esther, was absolutely lovely. I’ll admit that I’ll miss her in the next few days.
Nonetheless, I would like to dwell on one issue that I had with Ruby, mostly because I find it to be somewhat of a trend within YA novels recently and it’s one that I’m not a fan of. This book, however, takes that trend to a whole new level. When romance is instantaneous, I usually call it Spray Tan Love. But this, I don’t know what to call. Tanning Bed Romance, maybe? Fake Nail Fondness? Irritating infatuation? I can’t decide. What do you call a romance that only takes roughly 2% of the novel to come to a very passionate life? Hmm, how about ‘fake’?
But that’s enough with the criticism. To move forward, I highly enjoyed Miss Burke’s plot. Although it involved many overused elements—witches, warlocks, and demons, to name a few—she managed to weave her tale into something original. I especially enjoyed the way she made even her magically adept characters vulnerable to human illnesses; it gave Ruby an authenticity that it may have lacked otherwise.
I did not see the grand-finale plot twist coming in the least. In fact, to be honest, I still don’t fully understand it. But this lack of understanding is more of a reel-er-in-er than a cliffhanging annoyance.
I’m giving Ruby 2.9/5 stars. This one is for fans of lovely grandmothers, new spins on overly-told tales, and Fake Nail Fondness.
Furthermore, Ruby‘s characters, although perhaps a tad two-dimensional, had me emotionally invested in them by the end of the novel. I nearly cried when one of the cast was thrust into mortal danger, and Ruby’s grandmother, Esther, was absolutely lovely. I’ll admit that I’ll miss her in the next few days.
Nonetheless, I would like to dwell on one issue that I had with Ruby, mostly because I find it to be somewhat of a trend within YA novels recently and it’s one that I’m not a fan of. This book, however, takes that trend to a whole new level. When romance is instantaneous, I usually call it Spray Tan Love. But this, I don’t know what to call. Tanning Bed Romance, maybe? Fake Nail Fondness? Irritating infatuation? I can’t decide. What do you call a romance that only takes roughly 2% of the novel to come to a very passionate life? Hmm, how about ‘fake’?
But that’s enough with the criticism. To move forward, I highly enjoyed Miss Burke’s plot. Although it involved many overused elements—witches, warlocks, and demons, to name a few—she managed to weave her tale into something original. I especially enjoyed the way she made even her magically adept characters vulnerable to human illnesses; it gave Ruby an authenticity that it may have lacked otherwise.
I did not see the grand-finale plot twist coming in the least. In fact, to be honest, I still don’t fully understand it. But this lack of understanding is more of a reel-er-in-er than a cliffhanging annoyance.
I’m giving Ruby 2.9/5 stars. This one is for fans of lovely grandmothers, new spins on overly-told tales, and Fake Nail Fondness.
September 30, 2012
'Ruby' is about a young girl who travels to live with her grandmother after the deaths of her mother and father. Once there she discovers that she comes from a long line of witches and she is destined to follow the magical tradition passed down through her family.
This was a quick and easy read. At only 170 pages long, I would have liked the book to have been longer as it seemed a lot was crammed into a fairly short story. This meant that at times there wasn't enough development of the characters or the plot for my tastes. For instance, Ruby seemed very accepting of her new found heritage and powers. I would have liked to have seen more of a period of adjustment and change as she came to understand more about herself and her abilities.
There was also romance in the book between Ruby and Blaine but again, I thought that this developed very quickly, whereas I would have preferred to have seen their romance blossom more slowly and take it's time to turn into love. I found this one of the more enjoyable aspects of the story so it seems a shame that more of the book wasn't dedicated to the two of them. This is only the first of a four book series however so I wonder whether the author will focus more on this later down the line.
The prologue was intriguing but I thought this should have been linked more to the main story. There's mention of the Lumen child at the beginning but then this isn't really followed through which confused me a little. The story did get better as the book progressed and I particularly enjoyed the second half which was quite exciting.
There were some great characters including my favourite, Walter the house elf. He was so sweet! I also liked Ruby's grandmother and the bond which develops between her and her granddaughter.
Although not quite as good as I was initially expecting it to be, this was still a promising start to a series which I would like to read more of in the future.
This was a quick and easy read. At only 170 pages long, I would have liked the book to have been longer as it seemed a lot was crammed into a fairly short story. This meant that at times there wasn't enough development of the characters or the plot for my tastes. For instance, Ruby seemed very accepting of her new found heritage and powers. I would have liked to have seen more of a period of adjustment and change as she came to understand more about herself and her abilities.
There was also romance in the book between Ruby and Blaine but again, I thought that this developed very quickly, whereas I would have preferred to have seen their romance blossom more slowly and take it's time to turn into love. I found this one of the more enjoyable aspects of the story so it seems a shame that more of the book wasn't dedicated to the two of them. This is only the first of a four book series however so I wonder whether the author will focus more on this later down the line.
The prologue was intriguing but I thought this should have been linked more to the main story. There's mention of the Lumen child at the beginning but then this isn't really followed through which confused me a little. The story did get better as the book progressed and I particularly enjoyed the second half which was quite exciting.
There were some great characters including my favourite, Walter the house elf. He was so sweet! I also liked Ruby's grandmother and the bond which develops between her and her granddaughter.
Although not quite as good as I was initially expecting it to be, this was still a promising start to a series which I would like to read more of in the future.
August 2, 2012
Beneath the Moon and Stars review
I think this has a very unique concept to it. It took me a long time to read it. I liked the story a lot and the characters were great. I found this sorta a build up for the rest of the series. There wasn't a lot of action, it was more about the characters. Which I liked because I really enjoyed the characters. I'm super excited to see where this series is going to go.
The characters were very well done. Ruby had a great personality. Her life had been really going downhill and I think it got a lot better when she discovered what she was. She seemed really excited to learn and grow as a witch.One thing I didn't get was she supposedly had all this power but it didn't really show her using it much. I was excited to see her use them and she didn't very often. That's something I think will change in the next book. Mostly because she had a lot of learning to do and now that shes learned she can use what she learned. I absolutely loved Ester. She was so sweet. I'm glad Ruby had someone to be her family. I also really enjoyed Walters character. I hope we see more of him in the future. As for Blaine, my feelings are a little mixed. I liked his strong personality but he didn't really play that big of a part. I feel like he will have a bigger part to play in the future. Ruby and Blaine had quite the relationship. It seemed really one sided. It was obvious that Ruby had feelings for him but he acted like he didn't return them. Then all of the sudden he was in love with her. That was a little fast but I look forward to their relationship in the rest of the series.
I really loved the magical aspect of the plot. There was so much attention to detail with the world. That was one of my favorite parts. The plot was a little slow at times. There wasn't much action. It was more characters than anything else. Overall I really enjoyed this. It had a lot of aspects I liked. I'm looking forward to the rest of the series. I highly recommend.
I think this has a very unique concept to it. It took me a long time to read it. I liked the story a lot and the characters were great. I found this sorta a build up for the rest of the series. There wasn't a lot of action, it was more about the characters. Which I liked because I really enjoyed the characters. I'm super excited to see where this series is going to go.
The characters were very well done. Ruby had a great personality. Her life had been really going downhill and I think it got a lot better when she discovered what she was. She seemed really excited to learn and grow as a witch.One thing I didn't get was she supposedly had all this power but it didn't really show her using it much. I was excited to see her use them and she didn't very often. That's something I think will change in the next book. Mostly because she had a lot of learning to do and now that shes learned she can use what she learned. I absolutely loved Ester. She was so sweet. I'm glad Ruby had someone to be her family. I also really enjoyed Walters character. I hope we see more of him in the future. As for Blaine, my feelings are a little mixed. I liked his strong personality but he didn't really play that big of a part. I feel like he will have a bigger part to play in the future. Ruby and Blaine had quite the relationship. It seemed really one sided. It was obvious that Ruby had feelings for him but he acted like he didn't return them. Then all of the sudden he was in love with her. That was a little fast but I look forward to their relationship in the rest of the series.
I really loved the magical aspect of the plot. There was so much attention to detail with the world. That was one of my favorite parts. The plot was a little slow at times. There wasn't much action. It was more characters than anything else. Overall I really enjoyed this. It had a lot of aspects I liked. I'm looking forward to the rest of the series. I highly recommend.
August 13, 2012
When Amanda Burke first emailed me about her new witch-themed bok, Ruby, I was really interested. I haven't read a good witch story this whole year since Always a Witch. Here are my thoughts broken down:
The Good
-The creative ideas and imagination put into the story especially the world building
lots of thought put into setting the scene and introduction to magic.
-I love that there are other creatures besides witched involved in the book
climatic/ kick-butt ending
-learn witchcraft (including the ups and downs) with Ruby
-Ruby is a practical character and I didn't feel the need to strangle her. She's level-headed and makes rational decisions (unlike certain heroines)
The Bad
-Instalove:the reader barely gets to know who Blaine, Ruby's love interest, is and then they magically (pun intended) fall in love. Blaine and Ruby have zero chemistry and they already say "I love you"s??
-2-D characters: not enough depth put into the characters
-the transitions from Ruby's training to the conflict/her combat mode seems very rushed and I would have liked to have read more about the actual training than trying to find out the "mystery" surrounding her father's death
The Interesting
-(I don't know if the author intended to do this) The beginning of the story the dialogue/voicing is very formal (almost text-book style grammar and etiquette), but as you read through the book the tone/writing becomes more casual and colloquial. Instead of sounding like robots (in the beginning), the characters start to sound almost human-like.
Overall: This book doesn't really "start"/become exciting until towards the end when Ruby shifts into a more mature witch (although I wish the shift was more natural instead of forced). I would recommend as a "in your free time" sort of book.
This review is found on my blog: Hidden Adventures of a Teenage Reader
(book given free in exchange for an honest review)
The Good
-The creative ideas and imagination put into the story especially the world building
lots of thought put into setting the scene and introduction to magic.
-I love that there are other creatures besides witched involved in the book
climatic/ kick-butt ending
-learn witchcraft (including the ups and downs) with Ruby
-Ruby is a practical character and I didn't feel the need to strangle her. She's level-headed and makes rational decisions (unlike certain heroines)
The Bad
-Instalove:the reader barely gets to know who Blaine, Ruby's love interest, is and then they magically (pun intended) fall in love. Blaine and Ruby have zero chemistry and they already say "I love you"s??
-2-D characters: not enough depth put into the characters
-the transitions from Ruby's training to the conflict/her combat mode seems very rushed and I would have liked to have read more about the actual training than trying to find out the "mystery" surrounding her father's death
The Interesting
-(I don't know if the author intended to do this) The beginning of the story the dialogue/voicing is very formal (almost text-book style grammar and etiquette), but as you read through the book the tone/writing becomes more casual and colloquial. Instead of sounding like robots (in the beginning), the characters start to sound almost human-like.
Overall: This book doesn't really "start"/become exciting until towards the end when Ruby shifts into a more mature witch (although I wish the shift was more natural instead of forced). I would recommend as a "in your free time" sort of book.
This review is found on my blog: Hidden Adventures of a Teenage Reader
(book given free in exchange for an honest review)
July 29, 2012
When the author offered this to me, I knew it had my interest at "Salem Witch Trials." Sorry. History buff. I was interested to see how that would affect the story. And this whole prophecy business.
This is about a 3.5-4 star rating. First off, being only 170 pages, some things tend to seem forced and too fast simply because there isn't enough time to expand on it. Ruby is likable, if mostly unknown to us. There's a lack of character development, but it is possible to get a feel for the characters with what we have. I just wish there had been a little more expansion.
There were spots where the dialogue or action seemed awkward or to be completely out of place with what we had thus far seen. Or characters would repeat what had just happened to another character. Sure, that's fine, but it's something that tends to be fine tuned with more editing. I think some of this issue goes back to lack of character development.
That said, I think there is some promise here. It is an interesting story and there is lots of room for it to grow. Since each book focuses on a different character, to my understanding/assumption, this means we will get to know a little more about each character than we would if it just stuck with one. And it gives us the opportunity to see Ruby in a different light, thus adding to character development hopefully.
In summation, this still needs some work but it later books in the series could show more promise as the author gets more comfortable with the characters and world she has created.
This is about a 3.5-4 star rating. First off, being only 170 pages, some things tend to seem forced and too fast simply because there isn't enough time to expand on it. Ruby is likable, if mostly unknown to us. There's a lack of character development, but it is possible to get a feel for the characters with what we have. I just wish there had been a little more expansion.
There were spots where the dialogue or action seemed awkward or to be completely out of place with what we had thus far seen. Or characters would repeat what had just happened to another character. Sure, that's fine, but it's something that tends to be fine tuned with more editing. I think some of this issue goes back to lack of character development.
That said, I think there is some promise here. It is an interesting story and there is lots of room for it to grow. Since each book focuses on a different character, to my understanding/assumption, this means we will get to know a little more about each character than we would if it just stuck with one. And it gives us the opportunity to see Ruby in a different light, thus adding to character development hopefully.
In summation, this still needs some work but it later books in the series could show more promise as the author gets more comfortable with the characters and world she has created.
December 27, 2012
Abrupt.
There were many times during this book I felt it was missing the weaving that holds the moments together. More like an oral telling where there isn't as much time to intricately weave things together and build all the emotions. Sort of in the style of and then. . .and then. . .and then. Not much going on in between everything.
My favorite part of any romance is all the build up. This romance had the essential elements but all the subtly was lacking. Which just ended up making it feel cheesy.
There was so much being thrown into the mix that I got overwhelmed. Maybe if there had been more description it wold have worked. At one point two new characters enter the scene and there is no information about them.
Esther was so overly happy and super sunny that I just couldn't like her. In fact, she seemed so impossibly good that I was certain she was evil. . . or maybe I was just hoping she was evil to justify my dislike of her.
I guess I was waiting for the bad guys to make good on their threats but it never panned out. For once the good guys had the upper hand. It wasn't even a close call. Especially if you compare it to the current close calls being written in all the dystopian novels.
Ruby sure gets some odd special powers. I must admit myself to be most interested in just how animal mimicry and hair manipulation will help her out.
It was okay at first then boring in the middle proceeds to get better the last 30 pages. After which point it ends really oddly.
Content:
Violence: Moderate
There were many times during this book I felt it was missing the weaving that holds the moments together. More like an oral telling where there isn't as much time to intricately weave things together and build all the emotions. Sort of in the style of and then. . .and then. . .and then. Not much going on in between everything.
My favorite part of any romance is all the build up. This romance had the essential elements but all the subtly was lacking. Which just ended up making it feel cheesy.
There was so much being thrown into the mix that I got overwhelmed. Maybe if there had been more description it wold have worked. At one point two new characters enter the scene and there is no information about them.
Esther was so overly happy and super sunny that I just couldn't like her. In fact, she seemed so impossibly good that I was certain she was evil. . . or maybe I was just hoping she was evil to justify my dislike of her.
I guess I was waiting for the bad guys to make good on their threats but it never panned out. For once the good guys had the upper hand. It wasn't even a close call. Especially if you compare it to the current close calls being written in all the dystopian novels.
Ruby sure gets some odd special powers. I must admit myself to be most interested in just how animal mimicry and hair manipulation will help her out.
It was okay at first then boring in the middle proceeds to get better the last 30 pages. After which point it ends really oddly.
Content:
Violence: Moderate
August 23, 2012
I'm really happy to be out of my reading slump. I've found so many unique books that have captured my interest in the past few weeks - and Ruby was definitely one of them. Witches, drama, and suspense? Oh my.
My favorite thing about this novel was that the author wasn't afraid to bring on the mystery and suspense without the usual fluffy YA material. Yeah, we do see a budding romance with Blaine, but the story belongs to Ruby - and it stays that way throughout the novel. She's no Bella (sorry Twilight), and that's what I loved about her.
Another great thing about this book is just how cool it is. I love it when novels bring on the themes of destiny and dark magic. There's nothing like Ruby out there right now. I also appreciate that the novel puts you right into the story. I don't want to give away any spoilers, but there are these scenes when you're just holding your breath because you have no idea what the twist the book is going to pull next. It does a really good job of holding your attention.
My one complaint about this book is not a big one. I wish it were longer!
The end definitely left me craving one more chapter (at least), and the rest of the story kept cutting off at really good parts. On the other hand, the short length did keep the pace of the novel quick and fun. If you don't mind that, check it out for yourself!
My favorite thing about this novel was that the author wasn't afraid to bring on the mystery and suspense without the usual fluffy YA material. Yeah, we do see a budding romance with Blaine, but the story belongs to Ruby - and it stays that way throughout the novel. She's no Bella (sorry Twilight), and that's what I loved about her.
Another great thing about this book is just how cool it is. I love it when novels bring on the themes of destiny and dark magic. There's nothing like Ruby out there right now. I also appreciate that the novel puts you right into the story. I don't want to give away any spoilers, but there are these scenes when you're just holding your breath because you have no idea what the twist the book is going to pull next. It does a really good job of holding your attention.
My one complaint about this book is not a big one. I wish it were longer!
The end definitely left me craving one more chapter (at least), and the rest of the story kept cutting off at really good parts. On the other hand, the short length did keep the pace of the novel quick and fun. If you don't mind that, check it out for yourself!
August 18, 2012
Witches and Salem always sounds so intriguing so i really couldn't say no to the book. Now after reading it, i have mixed feelings about it. The good though, are more than the bad.
The story is mixed with witches,demons, prophecies elements. Something we've seen a lot, still the author managed to create something original enough, and make it interesting too. Personally it kept me in from the first chapter, and i finished in one read.
Now the real problem, if you can call it problem, is that the book is only 170 pages. There are so many things happening in there that those pages aren't enough. Even though the characters are generally likeable, you don't get to know them that much and connect with them. The first half of the book is also more detailed than the second part which is full of action happening all together and fast. The romance while it could have been something really interesting to see developing, it pretty much happens in less than 5 pages.
So you see, i enjoyed the book but it missed things. It could have been truly great. This is the author first book though, and self published so i'm not too harsh with it. I think the next one would be way better so i can't wait for it. And heck, Ruby's own "Hogwarts" house makes me excited only thinking about it!
The story is mixed with witches,demons, prophecies elements. Something we've seen a lot, still the author managed to create something original enough, and make it interesting too. Personally it kept me in from the first chapter, and i finished in one read.
Now the real problem, if you can call it problem, is that the book is only 170 pages. There are so many things happening in there that those pages aren't enough. Even though the characters are generally likeable, you don't get to know them that much and connect with them. The first half of the book is also more detailed than the second part which is full of action happening all together and fast. The romance while it could have been something really interesting to see developing, it pretty much happens in less than 5 pages.
So you see, i enjoyed the book but it missed things. It could have been truly great. This is the author first book though, and self published so i'm not too harsh with it. I think the next one would be way better so i can't wait for it. And heck, Ruby's own "Hogwarts" house makes me excited only thinking about it!
September 16, 2012
Review originally posted at Doodle's Book Blog
I was swept away by the first sentence and didn't want to put Ruby down. Amanda Burke held my attention with her captivating first book in the Ruby Series.
Ruby has grown up without a mother and no knowledge of extended family. The only person she knows is her father. Until one day he is murdered and an attorney hands a letter to Ruby telling her about her grandmother. If she wants to survive, she better find her quick.
I fell in love with the story from page one. It was fast paced when necessary but slowed down when things needed more time to develop or explain. I loved that Ruby had a gracious, loving demeanor. The only negative thing I have to say about this wonderful story is the ending left me feeling like something was missing or rushed. It ended abruptly with little explanation of how it came to be.
Overall, Ruby was an awesome novel that left me dying know what happens next. I can't wait for book two! I highly recommend Ruby if you love witches. Fun read!
FTC Disclosure: I received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. I was not monetarily compensated for my opinion.
I was swept away by the first sentence and didn't want to put Ruby down. Amanda Burke held my attention with her captivating first book in the Ruby Series.
Ruby has grown up without a mother and no knowledge of extended family. The only person she knows is her father. Until one day he is murdered and an attorney hands a letter to Ruby telling her about her grandmother. If she wants to survive, she better find her quick.
I fell in love with the story from page one. It was fast paced when necessary but slowed down when things needed more time to develop or explain. I loved that Ruby had a gracious, loving demeanor. The only negative thing I have to say about this wonderful story is the ending left me feeling like something was missing or rushed. It ended abruptly with little explanation of how it came to be.
Overall, Ruby was an awesome novel that left me dying know what happens next. I can't wait for book two! I highly recommend Ruby if you love witches. Fun read!
FTC Disclosure: I received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. I was not monetarily compensated for my opinion.
October 2, 2012
Ruby is the daughter of a single father as her mother died a couple of years back. When her father is unexpectedly killed, she comes across s a letter in which her father tells her to go and find/meet her grandmother whom she has never met. Her grandmother turns out to be a powerful witch, and Ruby is a descendant of her family bloodline. Together they embark on a journey in order to teach Ruby how to use her skills and possibly, save their world against an old legend. But then something happens she runs into Blake, a very handsome and rouge warlock .
The read was good but I felt it slowed in some places and the love store left me wanting more to be honest I felt it missed something it almost felt bland I feel the relationship between Ruby & Blake would have worked more as a friendship they would have made great best friends , I also felt that her transformation into a witch happen rather fast I wanted more.
I found Ruby to be a quick read zipped through it about a day and a half I found that with a little tweaking this could be an amazing series. At the moment I feel that this read would do great with a younger teen crowd but I still found the read interesting and I want to continue with the series as I want to see how everything develops with Ruby.
The read was good but I felt it slowed in some places and the love store left me wanting more to be honest I felt it missed something it almost felt bland I feel the relationship between Ruby & Blake would have worked more as a friendship they would have made great best friends , I also felt that her transformation into a witch happen rather fast I wanted more.
I found Ruby to be a quick read zipped through it about a day and a half I found that with a little tweaking this could be an amazing series. At the moment I feel that this read would do great with a younger teen crowd but I still found the read interesting and I want to continue with the series as I want to see how everything develops with Ruby.
September 19, 2012
3.5 stars
When the author approached me with her review request, I was instantly interested. Witches? Makes me smile. Salem? Absolutely.
The premise and plot of this book are good. There could be more character development, though. There were times when I really wanted to care, but the action seemed to be a little in the abstract. Honestly, that's okay, the story still worked. I just felt that it was easy to set the book down.
I do like the whole idea, and I'm interested to see where Ms. Burke takes this.
My one big complaint was the ending. So, if you don't want hints on that, skip this paragraph. The last scene felt unrealistic, and overly-contrived. Of course, everything in every book is contrived. But this felt obvious. The romance Ruby wants seems out of her grasp, and all of a sudden he says "I love you, baby." Um, hello? Maybe it was just a bit rushed, but it felt all melty-cheese to me. Then again, maybe that's what the author was going for.
However, I still want to know what happens next, so over-all, not a big problem.
When the author approached me with her review request, I was instantly interested. Witches? Makes me smile. Salem? Absolutely.
The premise and plot of this book are good. There could be more character development, though. There were times when I really wanted to care, but the action seemed to be a little in the abstract. Honestly, that's okay, the story still worked. I just felt that it was easy to set the book down.
I do like the whole idea, and I'm interested to see where Ms. Burke takes this.
My one big complaint was the ending. So, if you don't want hints on that, skip this paragraph. The last scene felt unrealistic, and overly-contrived. Of course, everything in every book is contrived. But this felt obvious. The romance Ruby wants seems out of her grasp, and all of a sudden he says "I love you, baby." Um, hello? Maybe it was just a bit rushed, but it felt all melty-cheese to me. Then again, maybe that's what the author was going for.
However, I still want to know what happens next, so over-all, not a big problem.
August 12, 2012
Check out the review on my blog heavenisabookstore.blogspot.com
http://heavenisabookstore.blogspot.co...
http://heavenisabookstore.blogspot.co...
Read
August 21, 2012Uhhh. Not too sure what to think about this one. Trying to find something I liked. :(
September 3, 2012
review soon
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews